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Belgians in the Civil War

Emigrants arrival

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BELGIANS IN AMERICA:    Biographies of Belgian settlers  

Felecien Francis Ghilain, founder of the Ghilain dynasty in Braidwood, a native of Serain, Belgium, came to Braidwood with his wife and family in 1869. He worked in the mines for three years.

He was accompanied by his son Frank, who grew up with the town and became, with his family, one of the progressive good citizens. The early Ghilains came to this country as a closely knitted group, even bringing with them their minister of the Belgic Protestant sect.

Frank, who was born in Belgium, grew to manhood in Braidwood, was married here to Marie Catherine Culley, sister of Nick Galley and Antone and John Culley, in 1879. Ten children were born to this union, Lucienne, who became a school teacher and later married Robert Young, of a pioneer family. Frank, Jr., worked in the mines for some years then took actively to the brick laying and building profession of his father, building most of the early brick buildings and cement walks, and plastered most of the old homes

Source : Donna, Modesto Joseph, : Donna's story of Braidwood, Illinois : historical data, reported facts, personal recollections; Braidwood, Ill.: Braidwood History Bureau, 1957, 346 pgs.